How to host the perfect movie night

WeekendNotes has a long and proud tradition of showing lazy cheapskates how to have fun on the tightest of budgets in their own homes. We’ve showed you how to organise a BYO dinner party. We’ve showed you how to put on a poker night. We’ve even showed you how to host a games night. Now, the time has come to show all you tightwads how to throw the perfect movie night.

The first step is to decide on a guest list. It’s important to strike a balance on numbers. Invite too few and there’ll be no atmosphere; invite too many and there’ll be no intimacy. Four to eight is generally the ideal group size. Another important thing to pay attention to is the mix, as a clash of personalities could ruin proceedings. Take care that everybody will be able to socialise harmoniously- in other words, don’t invite your bikie buddies and your Mormon mates around on the same evening.

The makeup of the party is also highly relevant to the next thing item on the agenda- the theme of the movie night. Slasher, Ratface and the other Hells Angels’ boys probably won’t be too keen on chick flicks, while Elder Smith, Elder Williams and the rest of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ chaps surely won’t be interested in sticking around for a Tarantino marathon. Know your market and tailor your product accordingly.

Having settled on who to invite and what to show them, the third step is working out how to accommodate them. If you want your guests to enjoy themselves, it’s essential that there be enough comfortable seating (couches, armchairs, beanbags), and that everyone have a clear view of the TV. Consider the temperature too- if it’s cold, blankets and heaters may be required.

The fourth matter that needs attending to is the refreshments. As a cheapskate, you’ll want to ensure that all your guests have dined beforehand. That way, you won’t have to fill them up- just top them up. A range of budget nibblies (chips, biscuits, pretzels, lollies, etc) and soft drinks will do the job commendably.

Finally, you’ll have to summon the energy to go to the video store. Rent five movies (weeklies, knowing you). This allows guests to vote on their favourite few, while ensuring that there’s something in reserve in case everybody wants to turn it into an all-nighter.

Ready to contact your friends? Then do it in style with a themed ‘evite’.